“As far as festivals are concerned I’m not really sure yet. We did Reading and Leeds last year, but they seem pretty impersonal I’ve got to say. A lot of people are passive observers in a lot of respects. They wouldn’t necessarily come to your shows, which is fine. It’s almost an opportunity, in a way, but on the other hand playing shows for people who are very enthusiastic is a much nicer feeling.” - Alec Ounsworth

Do they really sound like the words of a man whose band is going to play Reading in August?

As better fitting as Clap Your Hands would clearly be to Reading, I just think the fact they played quite high up on the NME stage last year, coupled with the fact their frontman has been openly critical of the festival, suggests they wouldn't be likely to play this year. Basically, if I were to make up a convincing, false line-up, they wouldn't be on it. Which maybe just means it's more likely to be true.

On another note, if it is real, there seem to be a lot of bands who played a couple of years ago, which is a bid depressing. Adds a sense of artificiality to proceedings, like a lot of the bands on the line-up are playing as default.

i don't really find the atmosphere 'threatening'. it isn't always friendly as such, but it's laid back and for the most part people are left to get on with their own thing, which as far as i'm concerned is 100000000000x better than having to put up with drugged-up fuckheads trying to be my 'friend' all weekend.

obviously, i'm making blanket statements for 'humorous' effect, i'm sure neither are as bad as i say.

in practise, i think it's more to do if you want a good lineup or just somewhere to 'chill' and spend time with your friends. if you want the former, go to Reading. if you want the latter, go to Glastonbury.

i think it's quite an accurate lineup. the pumpkins have been pretty obvious for a while now, and the cure is more obvious when you realise they have a new album out this year. the rest are, mostly, just bands out promoting their current releases.